Today in my personal time of studying and meditating on God’s Word I was in 1 Samuel 1. Just prior to that chapter I had been in the Book of Ruth and was overwhelmed by the grace of God in my life. Boaz the redeemer had saved a family, had given them hope, had risen up to provide life for his people. A simple thought was for me, “Thank you Jesus, you are my Redeemer.” I then entered into the first chapter of the first book of Samuel.
I saw something that is so simple yet exactly what I needed. In reality I need the reminders of God’s grace each and every day. Maybe that statement sounds odd. Does it mean that I forget who God is? Does it mean in the midst of my daily life I do not see God’s grace? No, that is not what I am saying, but is not the reminder of God’s grace in times of trials, or just simply in times of our daily routines enough to bring us to our knees in joy, or in a sense of overwhelming thanks? Maybe as you read this you are wondering what the simple “something” that I saw in this first chapter of 1 Samuel. Verse three speaks of “this man,” whose name was Elkanah. The verse simply speaks of the act of worship in which he participated. It certainly seems that Elkanah honored God as best he could, and in the way he was taught. He sacrificed and was a man who provided for his family.
How about the last verse of this first chapter? It is a simple line that states, “And he worshipped the Lord there.” This line does not refer to Elkanah, but rather refers to his son who had been given to serve the Lord in the temple. Worship of God surrounded this family. Worship must not have always been easy. Even as we read in this chapter, we find conflict and struggle within the family. Yes, there is the bit of humor as Elkanah tries to rationalize and solve the problems that Hannah was dealing with. We find God’s Word practical and in that, pointing us to doing what we are called to do, and always trusting God to do exactly what He has promised to do. As of late I have been saying, “We do the natural, God will do the supernatural.” I did not necessarily come up with that quote, but it has been something I have known for a longtime, and just do not know who to credit it to.
So, what is my point here? This chapter begins with Elkanah in worship to God and concludes with the fact that his son Samuel worshipped the Lord in the temple. Worshipping God who is in control of all things even in the midst of our daily trials, troubles, joys, mishaps, mountains and valleys is exactly where I need to be. Generationally we find Elkanah in worship and we find his son worshipping and serving.
Lord, I trust You in all things. Thank You for placing in me a heart of worship. A heart that I desire to always point to You. I love and trust You Lord and know that in everything You are present and in control. May I always focus my heart on You. My Lord, my God!